by Dawn Campo 

Thankfulness is not a once a year novelty. Prayers are said, thankfulness is expressed and we celebrate God’s blessings once again on Thanksgiving Day. On this day it is relatively easy to conjure up these warm feelings in our heart. Isn’t that the whole point of the day? I mean, it isn’t all about the turkey and pumpkin pie?

We are coming upon the holiday season and Thanksgiving is a time where we again reflect on what we have to be grateful for. Thankfulness is not to be put on once a year like our reindeer holiday sweater! I believe we need to daily cultivate a heart of thanksgiving. Scripture tells us, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Give thanks no matter what happens. God wants you to thank him because you believe in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:16-18).We are to give thanks in all things, not some things, not the great and wonderful things, but in everything.

So as you can see, thanksgiving is not passive, it is an action. We are to show our thankfulness to the world for all that God has done in our lives. We should be happy that we even have breath in our body and acknowledge that the only reason we do is because it is part of God’s plan. It is to give Him glory, and that is the only reason. Thank God that you are healthy and show others that thanks in the way you live your life. And if you are not whole and healthy then thank God that in his infinite wisdom He has a plan for you, and think how much more of a testimony you can give by showing others your willingness to love and follow God in spite of infirmities. Live every day to serve his purpose in your works and talents.

Take a moment to reflect and be thankful for the unique gifts and talents that God has given to each one of us to serve him daily (1 Peter 4:10-11). Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks let it be with God’s words. Whoever serves, do so with the strength that God supplies, so that in everything God will be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Thank God for the opportunity to see His deliverance.  Thank Him for His mercy and grace. Thank Him for His faithfulness. Thank Him for defeating the devil and setting you free in Christ. Thank Him that Jesus is Lord. Thank Him that your name is written in Heaven. Thank Him for loving you and taking good care of you.

SAY THIS: In everything I will give thanks to God for what He is doing. All God does is for my good.